Which book has your favorite portrait of a city?
When I read, I find it especially wonderful if the city the book takes place in is brought to life so well, it feels like a character itself. This is especially heightened for me if it is a city I have spent any decent amount of time in. A good description can either make me feel like I'm back for a visit, or gives me fresh peeks at aspects I've either forgotten or not known about. For me these books really capture their place exquistly:
For anyone who has spent more than a day or two in San Francisco, you
have probably been caught in it's signature fog. The Maltese Falcon
evokes that misty ambiance so well, plus brings to life the City of
yesteryear in a way that is just magical.
And I know I mention this book WAY too often, but what can I say, it is my favorite! I lived in Chicago for a few years, and I love that The Time Traveler's Wife
captures not only local landmarks, but the inner workings of the Newbery
Library, plus features one of my favorite sushi restaurants.
I spent a quarter abroad when I was in college, living in London. When I read Nick Hornby's High Fidelity, it really brings back the everyday life of this wonderful city. At least for those of us who like hanging out in record shops. I was worried when they decided not to have the movie take place in London, but when I found out it was to be placed in Chicago, I was actually thrilled because I knew it was a music loving city that would also fit the story.
Which book best brings to life one of your favorite cities...or made you want to visit one because it was so great?
4 comments:
"Here Is New York" by E.B.White, "Up in the Old Hotel" by Joseph Mitchell, and more recently "Downtown: My Manhattan" by Pete Hamill (all non-fiction).
My Korean Deli, by Ben Ryder Howe, brought the streets of Brooklyn to life for me. From the everyday commuters who come and go in the deli, with a peek at the dark underbelly of the convenience store world, to the intellectual & literary world of the Paris Review. I've never been to NYC but I have a picture in my mind of just what it must be like, from this funny and insightful book.
Oh...I've been meaning to read that one! Would it be good for a Foodie Book Group?
You know, it didn't dwell on food much, actually, even though much of the book takes place in a deli. The atmosphere is much more like a "7-Eleven"!
Post a Comment